Epic fails

I was in 75th position in December and the lovely Zena from Zena’s Suitcase gave me an insight into how the badge works etc…

My HIBS at end of Jan is 77! This might be because it’s still catching up with the changes I made, but more than likely that I just need to up my game and get more credible links pointing to the blog!

But that’s nothing compared to how dismayed I felt to read an email response from a brand, who had initially sent me an email looking to collaborate.

When I sent them details of how I work with brands – and my rates – I was shocked to receive an email back amazed that I was asking for money.

In fact, it has spurred me on to write a post about how brands should look at collaborating with bloggers.

Surely a ‘collaboration’ is one that benefits both sites? Unfortunately, this particular brand felt that was perfectly fine to ask me to write about them and promote them – and expect nothing in return. How bizarre.

The blog post will be coming soon, so watch this space (blog!)

My vlogging channel

Yes! I’ve finally published a new vlog! But the bad news is that it’s about what I got for Christmas – over a month late!

Due to restrictions, the content piece released by Supremo.tv can only use about half as much information as Facebook can release.

Brands will often look at the user’s personal information and use that to their advantage, bombarding them with advertisements for a certain product or service they think they will like, based on the information taken from Facebook.

Sticky AI!

I love discovering new apps and playing around with them – and this month I discovered Sticky AI, which allows you to convert selfies into stickers or GIFs.

When someone messages you, instead of replying with an emoji thumbs up, you can use the app to create an animated GIF of yourself giving the thumbs up!

I’ve had some great responses when I’ve posted GIFs on Twitter – I’m just a little bit obsessed with it – and best of all, it’s free.

Blogging Month: January At A Glance

What was great? Getting a blogging schedule in place and sticking to it!What wasn’t? The email I received from a brand.Goals for February: Last month I put my goals as: launch a monthly favourites section (yep), stick to my posting schedule (yep) and start working on my ebook design – er….no. So my goal is to work on my ebook design!

I love your goals and some are similar to mine (although mine are much lower figures haha!) Good luck with them, I’m sure you will hit them all.
I’m shocked at how that brand responded, hopefully the more of us that stand up to them the sooner they will realise we all deserve and need to be compensated for our time.Helen recently posted…Luvenesco luxury retinol moisturiser

You really hit the nail on the head Helen. If we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet, it makes it hard for these brands to get bloggers working for free – or at best, very little. It’s a shame there’s no industry standard, but I think it’s just a matter of time (she says hopefully!)

I think making a goal list is a great way of starting the year, more aspirations than resolutions. And having some bigger goals is never unhealthy, because I think it makes you work harder to try to reach them. All the best for the year ahead, it sounds really exciting.

I love the fact that you have a clear plan for this year and this months round up is great its always so good to see how others are getting on 🙂 I have so many goals for the year ahead lets hope we smash them

Wow I am so envious of your stats and followers. I just don’t know how to improve my readers/followers or even how to monetise my blog…. I thought I was doing all I could, but clearly I am missing something. Oh well… I will happily bumble along in my own fashion.
I look forward to reading more posts about you achieving these goals over the following months though! xx

I think your attitude towards what you do is great and you should most defiantly be speaking at an event or two. I still only blog as a hobby I would love to make things more serious but I never have time due to work and the kids. Good Luck with your goals x

Well I might be able to help you with one of your goals, as you said you want to speak at a blog event. I hosted my first event for bloggers on Saturday and will have more events coming up, with our next big event being in the summer. Do drop me an email as I would love to hear more about your ideas. On another note I am confident you will smash all your social goals, keep up the good work.

Don’t be disheartened by someone being shocked that you expect to be paid for your work. Blogging is hard work and you deserve to be paid for it but there’ll always be chancers. Brave lady wanting to form part of a panel at a blogging event. Hope I get to see it!

Thanks Helen – I get that most brands expect something for nothing most of the time – I get emails every day from PRs asking me to include their news , but when you refer to it as a collaboration, then you can’t be surprised when the blogger asks to be paid….that was their mistake.

Hope u manage to fullfill your goals my blogging goals are very similar for this year as yours. I like that you are sharing your wins and fails along the way.Joanna Bayford recently posted…Blogger Essentials Box with Dot Creates

I find your blogging month round ups so interesting. Its great to see what you see as fails and wins. Doubling your social media count is a great goal, I think Id like to do that this year, its the side I struggle with! Obviously, you forgot to put a goal in as have lunch with Kerry soon, but I will forgive you hahaha xx Blooming good luck with your goals my lovely, you work so hard, you deserve them all xxx

About Me

Hi and a huge welcome! I'm Lauretta and I share thrifty tips and deals on interiors and travel. It's about cutting costs but not corners! Occasionally I chat about family & gadgets - because I love them both.
Feel free to get in touch as I like to chat! lauretta@homeandhorizon.com